Christ has died. Christ IS risen.
We continue our 40 days of fasting in preparation for 50 days of celebration. May God strengthen our charity towards those in poverty of body or spirit.
Quote of the Month
“I do not know you, God, because I am in the way. Please help me to push myself aside.”
-Flannery O’Connor
For more Catholic inspiration, connect with the Diocese of Youngstown and The Catholic Echo on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Photo above by Jimmy Joe Savage. Lenten decor for “The Light Is ON For You” at Holy Trinity Parish, East Liverpool, Ohio.
Welcome to the Digital Communique!
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
For full list of bulletin announcements, please download the Text Only Attachments
The Communique collects important information provided by diocesan offices for parish ministry leaders. It also includes promotional materials for diocesan events and programs, where applicable.
Questions? Contact Meagen Farrell, Communications Manager, at communications@youngstowndiocese.org or (330) 744-8451 x275.
The printable format publication is sent by email as a PDF or Word file. Attachments are now provided as downloadable files in one folder (including the printable version):
- Communique Attachments Folder (contains printable version, text-only version, images & flyers): https://bit.ly/apr2025comm
- Video: Saving Communique Attachments https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz8Uim_okAE
Announcements suitable or adaptable for parish bulletins are noted. Where applicable, links to attachments and graphic files are included for each office below: click to save/download the file.
Other Events & Shared Publicity
Events from around the diocese can also be found on The Catholic Echo Events Calendar. You can upload or find publicity for Catholic organizations outside of diocesan offices in our new Shared Publicity Folders. All at youngstowndiocese dot org emails have access to these folders, and others can request access.
- April 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/apr2025sharedoy
- May 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/may2025sharedoy
- June 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/june2025sharedoy
Diocesan Events This Month
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Events for March
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Events for March
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Catholic Sisters Week
Events for March
9th
Catholic Sisters Week
Events for March
10th
Catholic Sisters Week
Monthly Cemetery Mass
Events for March
11th
Catholic Sisters Week
New Episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast
Events for March
12th
Catholic Sisters Week
Events for March
13th
Catholic Sisters Week
Monthly Cemetery Mass
Divine Mercy Chaplet | Fridays, Alternating Diocesan Cemeteries
Events for March
14th
Catholic Sisters Week
Catholic Men’s Fellowship Annual Men’s Conference
Events for March
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Events for March
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Events for March
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Events for March
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Events for March
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Events for March
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Events for March
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Events for March
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Events for March
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Events for March
25th
New Episode of The Catholic Echo Podcast
Events for March
26th
Events for March
27th
Events for March
28th
Return Your CRS Rice Bowl
Events for March
29th
New Episode of Wineskins
Return Your CRS Rice Bowl
Events for March
30th
Return Your CRS Rice Bowl
Events for March
31st
Return Your CRS Rice Bowl
Events for April
1st
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Return Your CRS Rice Bowl
Events for April
2nd
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Return Your CRS Rice Bowl
Events for April
3rd
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Events for April
4th
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Chancery
Click the name of the office to read the announcement titles, and click the headlines for more information. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- La enseñanza de los límites y la seguridad—Empoderamiento de los Hijos de Dios® – La Diócesis de Youngstown está implementando el programa Proteger a los Hijos de Dios(TM) en todas sus parroquias y escuelas para educar a niños y jóvenes sobre los límites y la seguridad. Se invita a los padres y tutores a participar activamente utilizando estos recursos.
- Empowering God’s Children®: Teaching Safety & Boundaries – The Diocese of Youngstown is implementing the Empowering God’s Children program across all parishes & schools to educate children and young people on boundaries and safety. Parents and guardians are invited to take an active role by using these resources.
- Safe Environment Materiales de Boletín (in Spanish) – The attached bulletin announcement regarding education, screening, reporting, and victim assistance, should be included bi-monthly (every two months) in all parish bulletins.
- Safe Environment Bulletin Announcements (in English) – The attached bulletin announcement regarding education, screening, reporting, and victim assistance, should be included bi-monthly (every two months) in all parish bulletins.
- Upcoming Events with Bishop Bonnar (Bulletin Materials) – Bulletin materials available for upcoming events with Bishop Bonnar.
- 2027 Diocesan Collections Announced – The 2027 schedule of diocesan collections are now available and have been sent to parishes and envelope companies.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Safe Environment Bulletin Announcements (Bulletin Materials | Materiales de Boletín)
The attached bulletin announcement regarding education, screening, reporting, and victim assistance, should be included bi-monthly (every two months) in all parish bulletins.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month (Bulletin Materials)
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
JUBILEE 2025 EVENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & RESOURCES
- 2026 Marriage Preparation Formation Opportunities – The Diocese of Youngstown has updated their 2026 dates for Marriage Preparation Engaged Couple Retreats.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
25th, 40th, 50th and over Wedding Anniversary Celebration (Bulletin Materials)
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- Voice of Hope Dinner – Save the Date – The Voice of Hope annual event celebrates the unity and identity of Catholic Charities’ Services in the Diocese of Youngstown, and raises funds to support our Basic Needs Assistance program.
- February is National Black History Month – February is National Black History Month and provides an opportunity to highlight the National Black Catholic Congress.
- Catholic Relief Services – Rice Bowl Collection – CRS Rice Bowl—Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten faith-in-action program—invites us to reflect on how caring for our neighbor is caring for Christ.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Voice of Hope Dinner on May 1, 2025 (Bulletin Materials)**
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County
Volunteers Needed – Join Us in Service and Fellowship! (Bulletin Materials)**
We are actively seeking volunteers to assist with office tasks and upcoming fundraising events in Ashtabula, Ohio during regular office hours. This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community, meet new people, and enjoy fellowship and fun while making a meaningful impact.
If you’re interested in sharing your time and talents, please contact us by calling 440-992-2121 – Or, send an email to charities@youngstowndiocese.org.
We’d love to have you join us!
Come and lend a hand! Help others by directly fulfilling just one of the many ways we assist clients in need.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County
Opening Doors Parenting Class (Bulletin Materials)**
The Opening Doors Program is a free ten-week evidence-based parenting, leadership, and advocacy program for parents/custodians/guardians with children ages 0-5. The next class starts April 15, 2025. Registration is required. Contact Carrie A. 440-992-2121 ext. 7049 or carriea@doyccac.org.
Download FLYER for complete details.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties
URGENT PLEA – Volunteers Needed (Bulletin Materials)**
Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties is looking for volunteers to help with the increased demand for pantry services in both the Canton location and the Ravenna location. Pantry volunteers will typically work a 2-3 hour shift and can choose to work weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on their personal availability. Clients will schedule pantry visits in advance, and pantry volunteers will prepare the grocery bags based on client selections. Compare this to the “Giant Eagle Shoppers” that prepare groceries for pick-up customers. However, this is much easier! In addition, volunteers may be asked to assist with other routine tasks such as dating incoming goods, rotating products, and general organization.
Come and lend a hand! Help others by directly fulfilling just one of the many ways we assist clients in need.
Call the Canton office at 330-491-0896
Call the Ravenna office at 330-297-7745 or
Send an email to charities@youngstowndiocese.org and we will forward your information to the proper location!
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Office of Peace & Justice: Prison and Jail Ministry (Bulletin Materials)**
The Office of Peace and Justice is seeking to expand the volunteer program for prison ministry. If you, or someone you know, is interested in ministering to the incarcerated, please contact us. Volunteer opportunities available in all six counties. For further information contact R.J. Mangan, Director of Peace and Justice, at 330-744-8451 x 245.
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements.
- Save-the-Dates: Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry Events in 2026 – Save these dates, and check in periodically for an updated list of events!
- Theology on Tap – Theology on Tap is an invitation to young adults (18-39) to delve deeper in their faith and in community with other members of the Church.
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements.
- Rejoicing with the Church: Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen to be Beatified – Pope Leo XIV has announced the next step towards Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen’s beatification. Look for content on social media and from The Catholic Echo podcast about Archbishop Sheen’s legacy as National Director of The Pontifical Mission Societies USA (TPMS) from 1950 to 1966, and an international media figure.
- Chrism Mass-March 31, 2026 – The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on March 31, 2026 at St. Columba Cathedral. Choir members are invited to sing, and priests to concelebrate; please notify the Office of Worship. The Mass will be livestreamed at catholicecho.org/live and the deadline to sponsor filming is 3/16.
- The Catholic Echo Podcast Topics: March 2026 – Join us for a biweekly discussion of your burning spiritual questions. For more information about the Catholic Echo Podcast topics, visit catholicecho.org/podcast.
- Wineskins Schedule: February & March 2026 – “Wineskins” features reflections on the lives of the saints and the sacred scriptures, along with thoughts on a variety of topics and issues from a Catholic perspective.
- Rejoicing with the Church: Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen to be Beatified – Pope Leo XIV has announced the next step towards Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen’s beatification. Look for content on social media and from The Catholic Echo podcast about Archbishop Sheen’s legacy as National Director of The Pontifical Mission Societies USA (TPMS) from 1950 to 1966, and an international media figure.
- Catholic Social Media Platform – The recorded Catholic Social Media platform webinar was recorded. Read more for a link tot he recording or highlights. DOY is now making suggested content available from Catholic Charities Diocese of Youngstown, The Pontifical Mission Societies, OSV News and #iGiveCatholic.
- Parish Directory Updates – Please note recent changes to merged parish web addresses, offices, and other directory updates.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Wineskins & The Catholic Echo Podcast (Bulletin Materials)**
Learn more at catholicecho.org/podcast
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
CALL FOR RECIPES! (Bulletin Materials)**
The Catholic Echo magazine would like to feature your favorite recipes in an upcoming print edition! All recipes are welcome. For more information or to submit a recipe, email catholicecho@youngstowndiocese.org.
Catholic Echo logos are included on the DOY Brand page: doy.org/brand
Clergy and Religious Services
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- Chrism Mass-March 31, 2026 – The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on March 31, 2026 at St. Columba Cathedral. Choir members are invited to sing, and priests to concelebrate; please notify the Office of Worship. The Mass will be livestreamed at catholicecho.org/live and the deadline to sponsor filming is 3/16.
- Praise and Worship Nights for Vocations – Join us as we pray for an increase in vocations. For more information contact Fr. William Wainio in the Office of Church Vocations, wwainio@youngstowndiocese.org.
- Parish Vocation Ministry & Called By Name Initiative – The Office of Church Vocations is sponsoring “Called By Name” on the weekend of January 24 & 25, 2026 and has provided materials for parishes to publicize this initiative. Contact the Office of Vocations at vocations@youngstowndiocese.org.
- 2026 Vocations Bulletin Blurbs & Intercessions – Cycle A (Bulletin Materials) – Please use these weekly reflections to help promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life in your parish community and school.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Vocations Intercessions and Bulletin Blurbs (Bulletin Materials)**
Watch our social media for more updates.
Vocations Social Media
- Website: www.doy.org/vocations/
- Facebook: doyvocations
- Instagram: doyvocations
Development and Stewardship Offices
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- News About the Appeal: Commitment Weekends reaching 25%! – Fr. John-Michael Lavelle emails updates on individual parishes’ performance on the Appeal. This information is also posted at doy.org/appeal under “Parish Toolkit and Updates.”
- Dec 2025-Mar 2026 Stewardship Bulletin Thoughts (Bulletin Materials | Materiales de Boletín) – It is recommended that every week, in every parish, a stewardship reflection should be included in the weekly bulletin.
- Rejoicing with the Church: Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen to be Beatified – Pope Leo XIV has announced the next step towards Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen’s beatification. Look for content on social media and from The Catholic Echo podcast about Archbishop Sheen’s legacy as National Director of The Pontifical Mission Societies USA (TPMS) from 1950 to 1966, and an international media figure.
Annual Diocesan Appeal Updates
Fr. John-Michael Lavelle has been emailing updates on individual parishes’ performance on the Appeal. This information is also posted at www.doy.org/appeal under “Parish Toolkit and Updates.”
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Spring 2025 Stewardship Bulletin Thoughts (Bulletin Materials | Materiales del Boletín) -NEW
It is recommended that every week, in every parish, a stewardship reflection should be included in the weekly bulletin.
Pastoral and Educational Services
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month – Our diocesan library offers adaptive learning kits for sacramental preparation and catechesis.
- Let us Pray for Lay Ecclesial Ministry and for Persons With Disabilities – Parishes are encouraged to utilize these to add to Universal Prayers this weekend, and prayer groups are encouraged to pray for persons facing challenges, as well as for increased vocations to lay ministry.
- Lifelong Learning: Courses For Adults in March 2026 – All adult faith formation courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith and learn more about our Catholic Church. There are courses offered online and in-person.
- Welcome to Catechesis: Introduction to the Church’s Vision of Catechesis – Welcome to Catechesis: A Four-Session Online Introduction to the Church’s Vision of Catechesis from NCCL
- Upcoming Training for Level 1 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd – St. Paul in North Canton will host Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 (ages 3 – 6) training in June
- Library in the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry, plus Catechist Cafe’ website (Bulletin Materials)- Updated – Our diocesan library is open to everyone. We have resources for personal reflection, small group study, families, as well as age-level faith formation. Visit any time between 8AM – 4PM, Monday – Friday at 225 Elm Street, Youngstown. We also share resource ideas and links online on our Catechist Cafe’ website.
- Library in the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry – (Bulletin Materials) – Our diocesan library is open to everyone. We have resources for small group study, families, as well as age-level faith formation. Visit any time between 8AM – 4PM, Monday – Friday.
- The Light is On for You – On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, parishes throughout the Diocese of Youngstown will participate in the annual “The Light is ON for you – An Evening of Reconciliation.”
- Chrism Mass-March 31, 2026 – The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on March 31, 2026 at St. Columba Cathedral. Choir members are invited to sing, and priests to concelebrate; please notify the Office of Worship. The Mass will be livestreamed at catholicecho.org/live and the deadline to sponsor filming is 3/16.
- Cathedral Organ Concert Series – 2026 Dates (Bulletin Materials) – We are glad to feature some incredible artistry from around the diocese and beyond who will be participating in the organ concert series for the Cathedral of Saint Columba in Youngstown, Ohio.
- Upcoming Parish Music Events (Bulletin Materials) – Join us for live music events at: 2/21 6pm Black History Month Concert at the Cathedral, 2/28 Duo Beaux Arts at St Blaise Parish (St Joseph Church) in Austintown, Lenten Organ Series every Wed. at Noon from 2/25 to 3/25 at Divine Mercy Parish (St Joseph Church) in Massillon, and see upcoming dates for the 2026 Cathedral Concert Series.
- Chrism Mass-March 31, 2026 – The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on March 31, 2026 at St. Columba Cathedral. Choir members are invited to sing, and priests to concelebrate; please notify the Office of Worship. The Mass will be livestreamed at catholicecho.org/live and the deadline to sponsor filming is 3/16.
- Cathedral Organ Concert Series – 2026 Dates (Bulletin Materials) – We are glad to feature some incredible artistry from around the diocese and beyond who will be participating in the organ concert series for the Cathedral of Saint Columba in Youngstown, Ohio.
- Save-the-Dates: Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry Events in 2026 – Save these dates, and check in periodically for an updated list of events!
- Theology on Tap – Theology on Tap is an invitation to young adults (18-39) to delve deeper in their faith and in community with other members of the Church.
- Diocese of Youngstown Celebrates Catholic Schools Week January 25th-January 31 – The annual celebration includes a variety of events running from January 25-31
- Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) Marketing Toolkit (Bulletin Materials) – Ohio taxpayers can reduce their 2025 state tax return through a donation to the Good Samaritan Scholarship up to $750 per individual or $1500 married filing jointly. DOY maintains this Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) and distributes it to families based on financial need. Leading up to Catholic Schools Week, parishes & schools are encouraged to use the SGO Marketing toolkit to promote their local Catholic schools.
- Catholic Schools Week 2026: CCO Resources for 2026 EdChoice Campaign (Bulletin Materials) – The Catholic Conference of Ohio has compiled resources which Catholic parishes and schools may share during Catholic Schools Week, or anytime, to highlight EdChoice scholarships that make Catholic education more affordable.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Resources to Promote School Affordability (Bulletin Materials) **
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Theology on Tap is BACK! (Bulletin Materials) **
The Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry is now on social media! Please give it a like and follow!
Miscellaneous
The Necrology (In Memoriam) for Diocesan Clergy is now available online!
Many thanks to Robalyne Sciubba for keeping the printable Necrology updated.
Gratitude to Rev. Joseph Ruggieri who has created a Google calendar to help you pray by date.
Diocesan Cemeteries (Bulletin Materials)
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- Rosary at the Cemetery Chapel on the 1st Wednesday at 10am (Bulletin Materials) – Pray the Rosary on the first Wednesday of the month at 10:00am in the Chapel of any of our four Diocesan Cemeteries.
- Chaplet of Divine Mercy (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services offers the Chaplet of Divine Mercy Prayer Service in the chapels of our four Cemeteries at 3:00p.m. every Friday at alternating locations.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Fridays at 3pm (Bulletin Materials)
Rosary at Four Diocesan Cemeteries (Bulletin Materials)
Please share these flyers and bulletin announcements as applicable to your location:
Other Events
FAQ: Where do I send my announcements?
You are invited to submit events and announcements for The Catholic Echo to Editor-in-Chief Katie Wagner at kwagner@youngstowndiocese.org.
Are you planning a parish music event? Please contact/copy Diocesan Director of Music Ralph Holtzhauser at rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org.
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Shared Publicity Folders -UPDATED LINKS
Catholic parishes, schools, and lay organizations are invited to share your flyers, images, and bulletin announcements using Google Drive. All @youngstowndiocese.org emails should have access to these folders, and others can request access on a case-by-case basis. We will respond to all requests within one business day and appreciate your patience.
- April 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/apr2025sharedoy
- May 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/may2025sharedoy
- June 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/june2025sharedoy
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